Bhutan or the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon” is a country of sprawling forests, venerated monasteries, overpowering fortresses; lush green valley’s fed by bountiful rivers and age-old practices. Cultivated fields surrounded by pitched roof houses with their typical trefoil-shape windows and Dzongs (fortresses) dominate the scenery with their sheer size. Its people are hardworking, vibrantly attired and deeply religious while the land is immaculate. Bhutan’s alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes and flowers make it a paradise. Maybe that is why the rare black-necked crane makes its way across the Himalayas to Bhutan every year.
Our spiritual tour to Bhutan also involves a little bit of adventure as we get to hike up to the Tango and Cheri Monasteries that take about an hour and a half. On reaching our destination you will instantly sense the vibrant spiritual energy of the monastery. Here you get to interact with the local monks who will bestow blessing upon you.
Day 01: Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu
Distance: 53kms/ 32 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour approx.
Altitude: 2,350 m / 7,709 ft
On arrival at the Paro International airport, our representative will receive and escort you to the hotel in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive takes you through the winding road with lots of beautiful hamlets. Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way later visit Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.
According to a legend, Simtokha Dzong was constructed to subdue an evil spirit, that was harassing the people in the region, and to guard the place. Simtokha is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan and is the gateway to Thimphu valley.
Once in Thimphu visit Tashichho Dzong. This dzong is an impressive building also known as ‘the fortress of the Dharma Raja’. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of the Bhutan’s civil government.
Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5pm onwards) and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.
Overnight at Hotel [-/L/D]
Day 02: In Thimphu, Hike to Tango or Cheri Monastery
About an hour’s drive north of Thimphu lies Tango and Cheri monasteries, two of the premier Buddhist academic institutions in Bhutan. The hike to one or both of these beautiful monasteries begin from where the road ends. The trails to Tango & Cheri monasteries take about 1½ hour uphill walk through the forest. In Tango monastery we can meet with local monks and interact with them.
Tango is the residence of an important Trulku (reincarnate lama) who is recognized as the seventh reincarnation of the highly respected fourth Desi, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, whose previous incarnation passed away in 1830. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built Cheri monastery in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of the Zhabdrung’s father.
In Thimphu also visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine: Established in 1988, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine strives to merge the allopathic and traditional systems of healing.
Later visit Thimphu weekend market which is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers of Bhutan. It has also turned out to be one of the most favored spots for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.
Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]
Day 03: In Thimphu and later drive to Paro
Distance: 53kms/ 32 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour approx.
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Folk heritage museum, Memorial Chorten, National Library of Bhutan in Thimphu. Drive to Paro, once in Paro visit The National museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong.
The Folk Heritage museum is set inside a 19th century three-storied traditional building and was established in 2001. The museum houses different tools, materials, objects, equipments and artifacts from rural Bhutanese households and gives a good insight of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
The Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten is a large Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery with golden spires and bells. It is a popular landmark and one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
The National Library of Bhutan is a four-storied eight-cornered traditional building, which looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong.
After the sightseeing in Thimphu, drive to Paro. In Paro visit the National museum of Bhutan and Paro Dzong.
The National museum of Bhutan is a unique circular building also known as Ta-dzong which is an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong.
Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]
Day 04: In Paro
Hike Duration: 4.5 hours approx. (round trip)
Today we will hike to Taktsang monastery and later visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lakhang Taktsang monastery: Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang monastery also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan.
The Drukgyel Dzong was an administrative centre till 1951, until a fire caused by a butter lamp engulfed the Dzong and completely destroyed it. All that remains of the Dzong now are tokens of a haunted house, still robust walls and charred remains of gigantic wooden posts and beams.
Kyichu Lhakhang: Located close to the Paro Airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]
Day 05: Final Departure
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. [B]
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